Thursday, October 20, 2011

Wondering How To Pay For College? Come to Our Financial Aid Workshop!

To help students and parents learn about college financial aid opportunities, the Terrebonne Parish Main Library is hosting a Financial Aid Workshop on Tuesday, October 25th from 6 pm to 8 pm. The event is free and open to the public.

According to a recent report by the College Board, average tuition and fees for the 2010-2011 school year at a four-year public university was $7,605 for state residents and $19,595 for out-of-state residents. The tuition increased 7.9% increase from last year. If you add room and board, the average tuition and fees for state residents totals $16,140. Room and board for out of state residents totals $28,130. The average tuition at a four year private university for the academic year 2010-2011 is $27,293 and if one adds room and board to this figure, the total increases to $36,993.

Tuition fees are steep and getting steeper. But help is available. Louisiana high school students who attend college in Louisiana can be exempt from tuition if they meet certain academic standards at graduation from high school. This program is called the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, commonly referred to as TOPS.

The Financial Aid Workshop at the library will feature representatives from the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance and Nicholls State University. They will speak about state scholastic programs, and offer instruction on completing out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Staff will speak about private scholarships given by local organizations for students who meet certain academic standards.

To sign up, just call the Reference Department at 876-5861, option 2. Walk-ins are also welcome. Hope to see you there!